Richard Grice

Family: Susan, my wife of 37 years teaches piano in her home office; Rebecca, our daughter is a fashion stylist and lives in NYC. And residing with us in Smithfield is Susan's mother, who recently celebrated her 91st birthday.

Currently President of Budget Blinds of Chesapeake, serving South Hampton Roads (Surrey to Sandbridge, VA), providing window treatments to both residential & commercial customers, Seven (7) employees, 2002 to present.

Last corporate position was SrVp Logistics & Inventory Management, Cost Plus World Market, brought 85+ jobs to Isle of Wight by choosing Windsor, VA for the CPWM eastern distribution center. 2000-2001. Prior to that had served as a Senior Officer for Logistics/Operations/Real estate at Leslie's Pool Supplies, Joanne Fabrics, Winkleman's, and John Wanamaker's Department Stores.

Besides creating/bringing 90+ jobs to South Hampton Roads, served on church plant committee bringing Hope Presbyterian Church to Smithfield.

Top Three Issues:

Financial responsibility. The Council needs to fully understand their role as fiscal leaders for the community. They must be prepared to make the difficult decisions needed to keep Township services functional within our current means. No more debt or drawing down on reserves.

Time to carefully reprioritize programs and expenditures. Water costs doubling, while necessary to meet quality standards, has created a substantial new burden on the residents of the Township. With the economy still on rather shaky ground, and with the threat of further Defense spending cuts, greater care must be exercised before taking on any more "beautification" projects.

Create an environment that brings in compatible and complimentary business to our community. We had a car dealership, now we have an empty building; Social Service offices, now an empty building. The Township government cannot occupy them all…government agencies occupying empty buildings does NOT bring in tax revenues.

Goals vs. other candidate's goals:

One of my primary goals as a council person would be to expand the inclusion of all Smithfield residents. We need to get all the very talented people of Smithfield engaged in keeping our Town a convivial, welcoming community. While most activities rightfully center around the older down town area, the residents of Canteberry, Cypress Creek, and Wellington Estates are also Smithfield residents, not "those people who live out there". We need every resident's assistance to keeping our small community the place we all want to live.

Attending council and committee meetings since the Summer of 2011, the only candidate that I have had the opportunity to observe was Denise Tynes, a current serving Council Person. While I do not agree with her on every point of every issue, I have the deepest respect for her ideas and dedication. I would welcome to opportunity of working with her on council. Unfortunately, I did not meet either Mr. Pack or Mr. Hall, until they announced their candidacy in April of this year. As such, i cannot speak to their goals or reasons for running for a seat on town council. I hope to meet Mr. Smith today at this interview.

Why I'm Running:

I have thirty plus years of leadership experience managing large operating organizations (both union & non-union). The responsibilities included growing the business while maintaining or improving services, facility management, and fiscal stewardship for $30+ million operating budgets.

Over the last ten years, I've successfully started, ran, and provide employment for seven people with my current business.

I have owned nine homes in eight states, each with a local government challenged with providing services to their community. Some did it well, others not so great. I would now like to use this experience in serving as Councilman for Smithfield Township. A seated Councilman or not, I will continue to attend and participate in Town meetings.